“Hqrs Gary’s Brigade
Aug 24/64
“At the recent engagement at Tilghman’s Farm, Capt. Nicholson gallantly led his company in a charge against the enemy until he reached within easy pistol range. He fired upon them, causing the enemy’s Regiment to break and retreat in great disorder; by his dash and energy … thus gaining a great advantage over the enemy, killing and wounding a large number and capturing quite a number of prisoners.
M. W. Gary
Brigadier Genl Commanding
Source: Compiled Service Records, Benjamin E. Nicholson, Hampton Legion, Microfilm, National Archives. This was an endorsement to a letter of recommendation of Logan and Gary, dated 28 Jun, for the promotion of Nicholson to the vacancy of major; it had been returned for submission of addition facts on 22 Aug by the President.
9.
Headquarters Hampton Legion
Aug 24 1864
Major T. O. Chestney, Assistant Adjutant General:
MAJOR: ….. In the affair at Tilghman’s Gate [on 27 Jul] … his company was keeping up a long line of pickets on that day, and when the regiment went into action he was separated from it. As soon as the musketry commenced, however, he moved immediately in that direction and reached to position to be occupied almost simultaneous with the regiment. The enemy appearing on the right flank of the regiment, Capt. Nicholson attacked and dislodged him, capturing several prisoners. He then threw his company perpendicular to the road, thereby protecting the flank of the regiment until it was withdrawn by order of Genl Gary.
At the battle of Sharpsburg Capt. Nicholson also exhibited peculiar skill and valor, and on every other battlefield he has shown himself to be a skillful and gallant officer. …..
T. M. Logan,
Colonel, Commanding
Source: Compiled Service Records, Benjamin E. Nicholson, Hampton Legion, Microfilm, National Archives. This was a letter to accompany the endorsement of Gary to the letter of recommendation of Logan and Gary, dated 28 Jun, for the promotion of Nicholson to the vacancy of major; it had been returned for submission of addition facts on 22 Aug by the President.
Bryce A. Suderow
streetstories@juno.com